Return to Gone-Away by Elizabeth Enright illustrated by Beth and Joe Krush*

I enjoyed the beauty of Gone-Away Lake and its quirky characters so much earlier this summer that I too needed to return!
Portia's parents purchase Villa Caprice, a grand house that has been abandoned near Gone Away Lake, and spend the summer attempting to coax it back to beauty.  The children fill the summer exploring with their cousin and new friends, and also unearthing treasures in the cluttered house.  Julian, Portia's cousin, is determined to find the house's safe.
I love the word choice and the apt description of God's creation-people and nature. This is a book in which I enjoy the writing as much as the story line.
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.
Guided Reading Level: V (5th grade)
Point to discuss: The girls consult a book which contains advice based on the Zodiac signs.  The author causes the reader to realize it is faulty when a big event proves the prediction/warning incorrect.  The characters say "heck" sometimes and other slangs.